Gladys Knight...McDowell and a wonderful Leader

Last night as I heard of the passing of the dear president of my church, Gordon B. Hinckley I had a few solemn moments. However, after a few minutes I couldn't help but smile thinking of what a great thing was going on at that moment. I volunteered as an usher for the Gladys Knight Saints Unified Voices Choir. Gladys has a calling in our church to direct this choir and go from place to place with them testifying of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was amazing, she brought SOUL to wonderful hymns. She and her husband, who joined the church after their marriage testified to all of their conversion to the "true church". It was powerful, touching many people of other faiths and informing them of the fullness of this gospel. If any of you have the opportunity to attend this performance, take it! You could see how happy the gospel has made these fantastic people and they wanted to shout it on the rooftops. Well, it was quite contagious. I thought, what a better tribute to our beloved prophet, who taught the gospel so publicly and in such a bold manner than to follow his example. The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints makes me so happy. It puts meaning and purpose in my life. I see the blessings it gives to me everyday. Jesus Christ is at the head and has called a prophet for our guidance here on earth, just as he had the apostles after his death for it is His same gospel, restored. How lucky I am to have this knowledge.

"In all of life, have much fun and laughter; life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."

-Gordon B. Hinckley

There you have it...spread the word.

Is it that time...again?

Not that I am complaining, but I don't love my body. It is just not, nor will it ever be, the way it used to...thank you hilarious Ava and adorable Christian. :) I'm the first to admit it has gotten quite soft in recent years and gravity has definitely done what it does best...pulls down! So the thought of even wearing a swimsuit brings a slight cringe. But the thought of a sweet, sun-bathing vacation is the perfect recovery. So I have purchased many a swimsuit in my life, from an array of places, my favorite being a little surf shop in San Diego. I am once again in the market for such. Preferably a miracle worker that "Defies Gravity". Come on I know you all have a favorite place to purchase those suits...fill me in on the secret.

Friends...

...make life so much better! I am fortunate enough to have wonderful friends all over the place. I wandered home past 1:00am last night with a grand smile across my face after a fun-filled ladies night. Each month a few of my good friends get together and do nothing but indulge ourselves with tasty treats (such as the wonderful sweet potato waffles we had last night) and fantastic conversation. I absolutely love being able to spend a night with super women and chat about everything under the sun. I am always learning something new from each of them. There is never a worry in the world because each of us know that we are loved by the others for who we are. Thanks for another wonderful night ladies!

P.S. How lucky am I to live in one of the most beautiful places. A friend of mine took me out to Rancho San Antonio, which is like 5 minutes from me, and took the most adorable pictures of my Ava (coming soon). Thanks Alie!

...

I turned the last page of a series I loved last night at 1:15am. Tears fell as I watched Harry conquer all his fears, and once again show his heroic capabilities. Harry, it has been a fun trip and you made for a wonderful ending to an amazing series. Thanks...wipe tear!

Okay, okay so I am lame, but I am finally getting around to posting. Sorry, not dead, just LAME. I have about 250 pics from our trip to Utah so I will try to be concise.

Christmas Eve Nativity, Ava got to be Mary and played the part quite well (as you can see from the look on her face). Christian...a VERY tired sheperd.

Christmas morning...

I am not sure who slept less from the excitement, Tyler or Ava...I think Ty!

At the Kearl's...

Ava got her princess dresses and reacted perfectly, screams and all. Unfortunately, for Derek, Noah had the exact same reaction as she open them, so he tried them all on with her. He even borrowed some of her new slippers. We all had a real good laugh.



Our two opposite girls.
My niece, Elsa, who last time I saw her she was so new it was hard to tell what she would look like. But she is so stinkin cute!

Chloe and Juli
Jocelyn had us all over to her house for a day of sledding. Ava actually loved it this year (as opposed to last).

This is my favorite. Ty sent them down alone, the look of pure joy can't be hidden from their faces!

Grandma Nancy and Papa Dan, who put up with us all staying with them :)

Ava loves to wear Grandpa's reading glasses. And Christian obviously loved wearing uncle Jake's hat. I think he took a liking to uncle Jake in general.

Grandma made jammies for EVERYONE this year, instead of just the grandkids.
While we were in Utah my sister, Amber went through the temple. It was such a fun day. I am so glad that I was able to be there and share it with her.

Just in case you are need more pics, as always they are on our smugmug site under Holidays, 2007!